After all, we're on a multigenerational craft that just happens to look like
a planet 8,000 miles across which has been going around in circles for
roughly 5 billion years.

Despite a number of obstacles and general stupidities, the crew has
managed to survive and even develop both biologically and intellectually.
Many have been made aware that there is more to existence than the
ship, but most of them prefer not to think about it. There are a few
who want to see what else is out there.

Why are most SF stories about multigenerational starships have their
crews devolve into barbarism for one reason or another? For the same
reason that most SF stories about aliens have them invading Earth and/or
the galaxy - because publishers think that conflict sells, and it usually
does. But that does not mean this is what would really happen with
either scenario.

Being cautious is one thing, but as I have also seen with the various
debates on the nature, intentions, and existence of ETI, pessimism
seems to be the rule these days. I blame it on the pervading
atmosphere of fear and paranoia. Whether this state exists on
other worlds has yet to be determined.

Do I think the Ultimate Project is the ultimate way to go? Perhaps
not, as I think Artilects will be our real emmisaries to the stars, but
it is nice and refreshing to see someone thinking about our future
with such a grand plan beyond the mere plot of an SF novel.